Lady Radicals finish as runner-ups, end 13-year finals drought

BY FRANCIS MEDIAVILLO | PHOTO BY RHEI GIAN HERNANDEZ

FOR 13 years, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Lady Radicals has been aching to play on the biggest stage of the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA).

And now, they ended their drought in the 29th NCRAA Women’s Basketball Finals after defeating the De La Salle University Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) Lady Patriots, 90-75, on May 22, at the PUP Gymnasium.

Mykalla Misahon led her team with 17 points, six rebounds, and four steals, while Johanns Blaza added 16 markers and four dimes.

“Pinaghandaan namin sila… although natalo na namin sila, nag practice pa rin kami. Binigay namin yung full effort namin kahit practice lang, lahat pinaghirapan namin,” said Lovely Panti who was part of the season’s mythical team.

During the semifinals, Blaza and Panti both went out limping, raising concerns about whether they could return to play.

“Kahit anong mangyari diyan pagpapahingahin lang namin ‘yan, kakausapin lang namin ‘yan, kapag nakapag-pahinga na, konting breather lang ‘yan pwede nang bunutin ulit yan, ganun kalakas ‘yang mga yan kaya tiwala kami sa kanila.” said coach Buboy Rodriguez.

The Lady Radicals later faced an undefeated Centro Escolar University (CEU) Lady Scorpions, bowing down to the eventual champions, 85-73, on May 26.

Despite falling short of winning it all, Rodriguez said their season was still a success — a learning experience and reminder for their next competitions.

“Everytime we fall short, ‘pag ‘di namin na-reach ‘yun. Isa ‘yan sa ginagawa namin as motivation namin to reach yung ultimate goal na pupuntahan namin lagi.” he added.

Rodriguez also noted that they had problems when it came to scouting potential players for the team, struggling to provide offers that would convince them to play for the team and instead play for other schools.

“Handicap kami doon mga coaches sa PUP. ‘Di namin nakukuha kasing lalaki nila kasi mas na-o-offer-an ng mas magandang opportunity sa mga ibang school. Pero kung ‘di man namin makuha yung mga ganun, we make sure na ni-re-ready namin sila (their players) through our training and programs.”

PUP also had to say goodbye to some of its core players who will be graduating this school year. The coaching staff hopes to find new players who can fill their shoes for next year.